U.S.-based consumers using the latest Microsoft Edge browser on Windows 10 devices can now sign in to their Microsoft account and use Microsoft Pay to make secure purchases wherever Masterpass is accepted online.

ISSUING

Discover is introducing more features and introducing a new debit card design for its Discover Cashback Debit product in the US. http://tinyurl.com/y8pjouyx

It looks as if Discover has had the same idea as Starling Bank with the introduction of a vertical card.

DIGITAL/RETAIL BANKING

The benchmark suggests the Dutch incumbent banks are close to bridging the gap with the challenger banks. It also appears that many onboarding features that were once considered as innovative have now become more mainstream and new standards on what is competitive result.

OPEN BANKING

CYBG has integrated the DirectID Open Banking Platform into the Bank B mobile banking app to support its aggregation service.

BLOCKCHAIN/DLT/CRYPTOCURRENCIES

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has announced that it plans to form a new company, Bakkt, which intends to leverage Microsoft cloud solutions to create an open and regulated, global ecosystem for digital assets. http://tinyurl.com/y9gkvaf6

Bakkt is working with organizations including BCG, Microsoft, Starbucks, and others, to create an integrated platform that enables consumers and institutions to buy, sell, store and spend digital assets on a seamless global network.

Starbucks subsequently announced this did not mean it would be accepting bitcoin in its stores.

CORPORATE ACTIVITY

Behalf provides working capital solutions for small businesses and flexible financing for business purchases. Visa will offer Behalf’s small-business clients a tokenized Visa Virtual Cards. This partnership supports Visa’s global strategy to extend its products and capabilities to small businesses through collaborations with start-ups and FinTechs.

REGULATION

The Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN) will seek to provide a more efficient way for innovative firms to interact with regulators, helping them navigate between countries as they look to scale new ideas.